WITCH DANCE PROJECT

EIN TANZFONDS ERBE PROJEKT

Witchcraft, shamanism and rituals have been influencing contemporary dance from the beginning. One of the most famous pieces in this context is the expressionist soloHexentanz 2 (1926) by Mary Wigman. Decades after the piece premiered the term “witch” is experiencing a radical redefinition through the feminist movement: strong women who are standing up against oppression. Over a three-day dance happening the Witch Dance Project will be dedicated to the reconstruction of Wigman’s solo through a non-European or rather queer perspective: ten international choreographers will not only take on the dance material but will also deal with the term “witch” in various cultures. The results are works which connect current theories to Wigman’s Hexentanz, and examine how this extraordinary piece is received and taken into new dimensions. The comprehensive program will be complimented, reflected and expanded upon with lecture performances, films, live rituals and discussions.